Entire apartment

Charming, colorful two-story apartment with two balconies - walk everywhere

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Iron/ironing board, Internet, bed sheets - Charming, colorful two-story apartment with two balconies - walk everywhere (Key West)
Terrace/patio - Charming, colorful two-story apartment with two balconies - walk everywhere (Key West)
TV - Charming, colorful two-story apartment with two balconies - walk everywhere (Key West)
Property grounds - Charming, colorful two-story apartment with two balconies - walk everywhere (Key West)
Exterior detail - Charming, colorful two-story apartment with two balconies - walk everywhere (Key West)
A short walk from Southernmost Point and Duval Street, Charming, colorful two-story apartment with two balconies - walk everywhere provides golfing on-site, a water park and more.

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Entire apartment

47 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Air-conditioning
  • Parking available

Add dates for prices

About this property

Charming, colorful two-story apartment with two balconies - walk everywhere

  • Welcome to Julia Whitehead Guest Suites! Built in the 1890s on the site of what had been a small provisions and butcher shop, this charming building has a rich and captivating history. In the 1930s, while Hemingway was living a few houses down, it was home to a popular Cuban bodega. From the1980s through the turn of this century, potter Charles Pearson created ceramic masterpieces which are still collected today. If you keep a watchful eye, you will find some of his ceramic fish adorning buildings and homes in the neighborhood still.

    Its current guardians have spent nearly a decade painstakingly bringing the building back to life, with three one-bedroom apartments, and hosting Dog Tired Studio gallery up front as the proud face of the building. Julia Whitehead, the patron mermaid of the building, has been keeping an eye over this landmark since she first surfaced here in the 1800s, and she invites you to come and live like a local, just steps from Duval, in the shadow of the lighthouse.

    Here, at Mermaid's Retreat, you'll find a beautifully updated space, with colorful, eclectic decor and abundant natural light. Balconies off both the living room and bedroom upstairs are ideal for languid afternoons with a good book and some sweet tea, while the comfortable living room is a cozy hideout for a quiet evening spent watching TV or using the free WiFi to scroll social media. The full kitchen holds everything you need to whip up meals and snacks. When bedtime calls, head upstairs to drift off in your serene Key West sanctuary.

    THINGS TO KNOW
    A booklet inside the apartment features the full story of Julia Whitehead Guest Suites.

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the apartment: Internet access

Parking and transport

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Living room

Entertainment

  • TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony

Laundry

  • Laundromat nearby

Comfort

  • Air conditioning

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Concierge services
  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In the city centre
  • Near a hospital
  • Near the sea

Things to do

  • Golf
  • Water park
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Parasailing nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Snorkelling nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Unit size: 500 square feet

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 25

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: Children allowed

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

About the area

Located by the sea, this apartment is in Old Town Key West, a neighbourhood in Key West. Southernmost Point and Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum are notable landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Florida Keys Beaches and Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. Ready for a night out? Consider The Key West Theater and Sloppy Joe's Bar. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with ecotours and cycling. Visit our Key West travel guide
View more Apartments in Key West
Map
Key West, FL

What's nearby

  • Duval Street
    Duval Street
    2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
    Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
    2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Key West Lighthouse and Keeper's Quarters Museum
    Key West Lighthouse and Keeper's Quarters Museum
    2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • South Beach
    South Beach
    6 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Southernmost Point
    Southernmost Point
    8 min walk - 0.7 km

Getting around

  • Key West, FL (EYW-Key West Intl.)
    12 min drive

Restaurants

  • Circle K
    3 min walk
  • Cuban Coffee Queen (Duval)
    4 min walk
  • Moondog Cafe & Bakery
    3 min walk
  • Old Town Tavern
    3 min walk
  • Rams Head Southernmost
    4 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Charming, colorful two-story apartment with two balconies - walk everywhere pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Charming, colorful two-story apartment with two balconies - walk everywhere?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Charming, colorful two-story apartment with two balconies - walk everywhere?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Charming, colorful two-story apartment with two balconies - walk everywhere?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Charming, colorful two-story apartment with two balconies - walk everywhere located?

Located in Old Town Key West, this apartment building is steps away from Key West Lighthouse and Keeper's Quarters Museum, Duval Street and Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. Florida Keys Beaches and Southernmost Point are also within 10 minutes.

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Charming, colorful two-story apartment with two balconies - walk everywhere Reviews

Reviews

Wonderful

All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
More informationOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 13 out of 18 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 18 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 18 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 18 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 18 reviews

9.6

Cleanliness

9.6

Location

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tim R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location, clean cozy.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jamie S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great for vacation

This property was clean and a great location for Key West, within walking distance of most attractions.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sandra K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location

Great location to enjoy Key West. Comfortable amenities. Outdoor porches and outdoor living a big plus.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Leah M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great condo, great location

We had a great time staying at this adorable place. The unit is super cute. It is walking or biking distance from all the action on the island. However, since it is 1 block from Duval Street, it stays quiet over there. We had a great time on our trip and would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Stacey H.

An oasis!

This was the perfect spot for my husband and me to spend close to a week. A block from the action on Duval, but quiet enough (except for the roosters!) to go to bed early and spend time reading on the balconies. Really liked the two-floor living space and finding street parking nearby wasn’t an issue, even on Pride weekend. Would recommend and stay again!
From a partner site

6/10 Okay

John B.

Mermaid Retreat

Mold in bathroom and A/C unit. Other than that ok location and space.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Corey S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing stay we will be back.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mary Kay

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
This is a lovely place in a great location! Everything we wanted to do in Key West was within walking distance. It has a nice kitchen, a great shower, and two balconies that were wonderful for relaxing between activities. The apartment looks as good in person as it does in the pictures, and it’s in a quiet, friendly neighborhood. I would definitely rent this property again.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christelle G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location central to everything! Would love to stay here again.
Stayed 8 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joanne F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Many restaurants and stores near by. This property does not have a pool, but we didn't expect one.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lindsey H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place one block from the quiet end of Duvall!

This was our first time staying in Key West so we really were not sure where to stay. This was the perfect location near all the fun on Duvall but very quiet location! Perfect for any couple!!! Everything was clean with easy check in and check out.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
From a partner site

8/10 Good

Bridget W.

4 1/2 Stars

Quite location one block off Duval. Everything was new-ish, colorful and relaxing.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

6/10 Okay

Tom W.

Liked: Check-in, location
Disliked: Communication

Toms stay

Several shortcomings. Will chose alternative location for next trip.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

4/10 Poor

Bradley C.

Liked: Cleanliness

bad experience

spent over a hour looking for a place to park so finally sat in front of building to see if a spot would open up on street and finally one did 1 1/2 hours later a car left so I pulled in and was told do not leave spot by someone there take ubers or lyft wherever you go as impossible to find parking, ended up getting ticketed and spoke with vacasa and they just sorry tough luck but when I originally called was told no free parking just find a place around unit never said park at risk will get ticketed, no tv in bedroom was not good as was hot got back to room wanted to cool off and relax but no tv, the pull out couch mattress was so thin metal came through and so bent up was low in middle making it hard to get out of, air in upper bedroom did not work good so very hot trying to sleep and to hot outside to open windows or doors, unless healthy and young the walk up to unit was on thin very steep stairs and hard to get suitcase up, again same problem as bedroom was another set of stairs up living area with same type of stairs thin and step. slipped trying to get down bedroom steps a couple of times as slippery small wood so be careful and hold handrail tightly , I never leave reviews but was not real happy with this place, love key west been there many times but would not use this place again or recommend to anyone I know unit was clean and updated but not user friendly too bad as decent location
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Perry R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy

Perfect for 25th anniversary

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024